The Troll Trail - Nordic skiing adventure

Arrival at Høvringen

Ski in the area of Høvringen

Ski from Høvringen to Kvamsfjellet

Long but relatively easy day trip. This leg leads through high-mountain sceneries at approx. 1000 m.a.s.l. There is an uphill for the first 5 km and then easy terrain to Mysuseter and Kvamsfjellet. You pass Smuksjøseter Moutain Lodge, with a cafeteria. You also pass the Peer Gynt Hut.  There is no service at the Peer Gynt hut during winter but it’s a nice place for a rest. There is a small shop and cafeteria at Mysuseter. Look back when you cross Lake Furusjøen to see the characteristic Rondane massif to the northeast.
The trail is groomed, but some of it just occasionally. 

Ski from Kvamsfjellet to Venabygdsfjellet

Long and demanding day trip. First some easy skiing past the Furusjøen lake. Then a steep uphill with no groomed tracks, partly through birch forest, before you enter Rondane National Park and the high mountain plateaux. There are no groomed tracks through the protected area, just sticks to mark the trail.
The route passes a valley with the possibility to rest at Eldåbu self-service hut. Besides this, there is nowhere to go inside for a rest.
You continue southeast through relatively flat terrain and some uphill to Venabygdsfjellet. You find excellent groomed tracks for the last 6 km towards the hotel.

Ski from Venabygdsfjellet to Øksendalen

Easy/moderate day trip in open high mountain terrain and some birch forest. Mostly groomed tracks, but not regularly. There is no option for an indoor rest today.

Ski from Øksendalen to Vetåbua

Easy/moderate leg in open high mountain terrain. Mostly groomed tracks, but not regularly. Some uphill as you start at 870 and end at 1000 m.a.s.l. There is no option for indoor lunch today.

NB! Today you must carry the part of your luggage that is needed for an overnight stay at the self-service cabin. The rest of your luggage will be transferred directly to Pellestova Hotel Hafjell.

Accommodation at Vetåbua, DNT-self-service cabin, a genuine Norwegian hut experience. The huts do operate on a first come, first served basis, so be prepared to share the space. The cabin is stocked with provisions for breakfast, dinner, and lunch.

Ski from Vetåbua to Pellestova

Long day trip in easy/moderate terrain. You ski across marshes and through open woodland. Some up- and downhills. A long uphill at the end, towards Pellestova. The trail is groomed, but not regularly. There is no option for indoor lunch today.

NB! Today you continue carrying the part of your luggage that you needed for the overnight stay at the self-service cabin.

Ski from Pellestova to Lillehammer

Easy day trip in easy terrain. The trail runs in flat and open terrain to Nordseter and then some downhill through woodland. Excellent groomed tracks all the way to Lillehammer. There is a cafeteria at Nordseter.
Parts of this stage follow the same track as the Birkebeiner Ski Race that takes place in March every year. If you want more Birkebeiner tracks, you can ski via Sjusjøen + 5 km.
You ski through the 1994 Olympic Ski Stadium before the last downhill to Lillehammer.

Breakfast and departure

Train to Oslo Airport (depart every hour).

Completing the Troll ski trail is a remarkable achievement for any skier. It's not just about covering the distance; it's about immersing yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Norway.